Ever heard the term "leaky gut" ? A layman's term for intestinal permeability? I talk about this condition often in clinic with my clients.
THE GUT
Cells lining our intestines have tight junctions. This keeps stuff that needs to be absorbed and excreted from the body to be contained and processed in simple terms. This is when your gut is functioning optimally.
There are many factors that can cause the gut to become leaky, this is when (yes you guessed it) the cells lining the gut become separated and allow toxins or those particles that should not leave the gut travel into the blood stream. When this happens inflammation in the body occurs usually resulting in unpleasant signs and symptoms that the person seek help for.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A LEAKY GUT
Digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhoea, IBS
Reactions to foods such as food intolerances and allergies
Histamine issues
Brain fog and concentration problems
Anxiety and depression
Skin problems, eczema, acne, rosacea, itchy skin
Seasonal allergies, asthma, hay fever
Hormonal imbalances, PMS, PMT, PCOS
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimato's disease
Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia
These signs and symptoms warrant gut investigations.
WHAT CAUSES A LEAKY GUT?
Food intolerances and allergies
Pathogenic organisms residing in the gut such as candida overgrowth, parasites, SIBO and but bacterial imbalances
Toxins environmental such as glyphosates and internal toxins such as LPS (Lipopolysaccharides)
Stress, long term emotional stress and physical stress
Lack of sleep
HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN GUT -A LEAKY GUT
Eat food that support you and avoid those that you know cause symptoms
Eat a diverse diet rich in fibres and colours
Sleep well, follow a good sleep protocol
Correct you microbiome to support your gut health
Take nutrients that support gut healing and gut lining integrity such as Vitamin A, Zinc, Quercetin, L-Glutamine, Polyphenols and probiotics.